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Eaton collects three hits to pace Rafters

Eaton collects three hits to pace Rafters

Hitting leadoff for Salt River on Thursday, Adam Eaton wasn't just a catalyst for the team's offense. He was the offense.

The D-backs outfield prospect went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a run scored as the Rafters defeated the Scottsdale Scorpions, 3-1, to improve to 7-2.

Selected in the 19th round of the 2010 Draft, Eaton hit .318 with 10 homers and 34 steals in 121 games between Class A Advanced Visalia and Double-A Mobile this season. His plate discipline was also impressive as he drew 72 walks while striking out 76 times.

So far in the AFL, the 22-year-old outfielder is hitting .417 (10-for-24) with five RBIs and four steals in five games.

Teammate and No. 4 Rockies prospect Nolan Arenado was the only other player to have multiple hits in the game, going 2-for-4 and driving in a run. The 20-year-old third base prospect is batting .400 (10-for-25) and tied for the league lead with 10 RBIs.

Starter Dallas Keuchel (Astros) earned the win for the Rafters, allowing just one unearned run on two hits over four innings. Arizona's Kevin Munson struck out two in a scoreless ninth to record his first save.

Scottsdale starter Chris Scholl (Angels) took the loss after yielding three runs on seven hits in four frames. The Scorpions were nearly untouchable after he vacated the mound as three relievers combined to toss four one-hit innings.

MLB.com's top two prospects, Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, both started for the Scorpions for the third time since the beginning of the Fall League. Trout was held hitless in four at-bats, while Harper went 1-for-4 to pick up his second hit in six games.

David Heck is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.